District 211 to hold virtual graduations, attempt live events later

While Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 will move ahead with virtual graduation ceremonies for its five schools on their originally scheduled commencement dates, officials continue to explore the possibility of live gatherings in either June or July, if public health guidelines allow it.

District 211 includes Conant, Fremd, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Schaumburg high schools.

Superintendent Dan Cates appeared in a video sent to seniors and their parents Tuesday afternoon to inform them of the district's decision.

In it, he revealed the results of a survey to which about 2,800 students and 1,900 parents responded. A live graduation later in the summer was strongly favored by respondents, Cates said.

As for a virtual ceremony, about two thirds of students expressed a lack of interest in such a ceremony, while slightly more than half the parents said they would want to have one.

Though acknowledging the lukewarm response, Cates said the decision to schedule the virtual ceremonies was made in case they turn out to be the only opportunity to recognize the Class of 2020.

"To our seniors: We are doing all we can surrounding your graduation," Cates said. "Like always, you have been exemplary in your flexibility, your resiliency and your creative, positive energy. We all are better because of your presence and time with us. Thank you."